Electrophysiology

The cardiac subspecialty of electrophysiology (EP) diagnoses and treats arrhythmias. This includes use of pacemakers to treat bradycardia, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) for tachycardia, heart failure and patients at risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and cardiac ablation treatments to treat heart rhythm disorders.

doctor examines patient data on their tablet

Enabling X-ray-free ablation procedures in the EP lab

Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson MedTech

Exposure to scatter radiation and orthopedic issues related to years of wearing lead aprons during long EP procedures has led electrophysiologists to seek out new ways to reduce the need for angiographic X-ray.

Cardiologist Heart Doctor Tablet Technology

The evolution of RF technology to reduce complications and improve outcomes

Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson MedTech

Advancements in radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation technology have been incremental over the past 30 years in efforts to improve safety, procedural efficiency and patient outcomes. While some newer technologies have gained a lot of attention in electrophysiology (EP) over the past several years, RF remains the solid frontline treatment.

Amplatzer Amulet Left Atrial Appendage Occluder (LAAO) from Abbott

Abbott’s Amulet LAAO device linked to long-term safety, effectiveness

Researchers explored five-year data from more than 1,800 patients with nonvalvular AFib who underwent LAAO with Abbott's Amulet or Boston Scientific's Watchman 2.5. 

AI cardiology heart artificial intelligence deep learning

AI could help cardiologists predict bleeding, stroke risks in AFib patients on DOACs

Researchers developed several new AI models that could guide the management of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. There is still some work to do in terms of accuracy, but they already appear to outperform the traditional risk scores being used today.

pediatric pacemaker

‘A new alternative’: Tiny pacemakers for infants show early promise

A team of pediatric specialists worked closely with representative from Medtronic to develop the new pacemakers. Overall, the tiny devices—approximately one-quarter the size of a traditional pacemaker—were found to be both safe and effective. They are still under development.

The late-breaking U.S. multicenter admIRE clinical trial at the Heart Rhythm Society 2024 meeting, showed positive data on the long-term safety and effectiveness of the the Biosense Webster Varipulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) system in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. #HRS #HRS2024 #PFA

FDA announces catheter recall for Johnson & Johnson PFA system due to stroke risk

The recall comes after approximately 3% of patients treated with the device during the early stages of its U.S. rollout experienced a stroke or transient ischemic attack following surgery. The expected stroke rate is closer to 1%, the FDA explained.

Kestra Medical Technologies

Wearable heart device company to go public, raise up to $155M

Kestra Medical Technologies, known for its wearable heart monitors and defibrillators, intends to sell 10 million common shares priced somewhere between $14 and $16 per share. 

FDA announces Class I recall of Boston Scientific pacemakers—replacement may be necessary

These safety issues have been linked to more than 800 injuries and two deaths. It is possible, the FDA warned, that some patients may require a device to be removed and replaced. 

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